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Immigration

Throughout its history, immigrants have been a critical part of the culture and the economy of the United States.

Throughout its history, immigrants have been a critical part of the culture and the economy of the United States. Although, much of the current rhetoric surrounding the immigration debate focuses on the dangers of immigrants, Congressman Serrano thinks that it is important to recognize that the vast majority of immigrants, both those with and those without documents, are merely coming here in search of a better life for themselves and their families. The discussion about immigration should not be confused with the discussion catching criminals, whatever their citizenship or immigration status, and reducing crime.

The immigration system in the United States is currently in crisis, with large backlogs of immigrants waiting to enter the country and many undocumented immigrants living and working in the country. Congressman Serrano strongly supports a comprehensive immigration reform to address these issues, one that includes a path to citizenship for the undocumented, increases the number of people who can come legally to work and live in the United States, and is less punitive towards immigrants who have built lives here. Immigrants have helped to make the United States strong and Congressman Serrano thinks that we should continue to do what we can to welcome them and help them become integral parts of our society.

In the end, Congressman Serrano believes that the core of the immigration issue is about keeping families together, allowing them to come to the United States together and making sure they can stay together once they are here. To further this goal, Congressman Serrano has a bill called the Child Citizen Protection Act, which would help to keep the families of US citizen children together.

More on Immigration

Congressman Serrano opposed the numerous short term Continuing Resolutionsthat did not include sufficient disaster relief funding for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or the DREAM Act. Watch Congressman Serrano’s discussion of the shut down and the CR here:

Washington, DC – Congressman Serrano, Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Grace Meng, a member of the subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Census Bureau and the Department of Justice, today released the following statement in response to reports that the Department of Justice has proposed including a new question in the next Census asking household members’ citizenship status.

Washington, DC – Congressman José E. Serrano issued the following statement in response to the release of the Republican Disaster Supplemental:

“Although I appreciate the majority’s willingness to go well beyond what the Trump Administration requested, it does not go far enough to ensure that Puerto Rico can comprehensively rebuild in a sustainable manner.

Washington, DC– Bronx Representatives Serrano, Espaillat, Crowley and Engel today sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to prioritize LGBTQ community needs as he plans for his second term as Mayor. Among the recommendations, the members emphasized the need to open an LGBT community center in the Bronx – the only borough that doesn’t currently have one.

Washington, DC – Congressman Serrano today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Temporary Protected Status program that temporarily gives asylum to and protect immigrants from Nicaragua, and to leave TPS holders from Honduras in limbo. Both countries that have been affected by natural disasters in recent years and economic difficulties.

Congressman Serrano continues advocating for the island of Puerto Rico on Capitol Hill as it faces a humanitarian crisis post Hurricane Maria. Congressman Serrano released the following statement on the disaster relief efforts aid packet approved in Congress last week and vowed to fight for more funding to help Puerto Rico: